Powerboat racing regatta at Barrow's Buccleuch dock
Last updated 09:25, Friday, 08 August 2008
POWERBOAT racers reached speeds of up to 120mph in Barrow’s Buccleuch Dock on Saturday.
A total of seven boats blasted up and down the water in five ten-lap races.
Spectators watched from the water’s edge as the high-speed action unfolded.
The mid-summer regatta involved members of Barrow Powerboat Racing Club and Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club.
Newby Bridge-based Ted Walsh, the chairman of racing for both South Cumbrian clubs, said: “It was a good day of racing.
“Numbers were down a bit because there’s been a few boats blow-up earlier this season. The fleet was probably at about 70 per cent.
“It was a bit windy and rough in the dock but some good speeds were reached.”
The five races – each lasting about 12 minutes – were run on a handicap system, allowing those with less powerful boats a head start.
The overall winner was Bowness-based Peter White, a member of Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, in a Phantom 18.
Mike Horn, from Preston, took second in a Phantom 21, with Kendal’s Helen Loney, third in a Phantom 16.
The club stages 12 events a year in the docks at Barrow, between April and October.
The next racing days in town are August 9, September 13 and October 4 (1.30pm starts).
Powerboat racers turned to using Barrow docks in 2001 following the furore over plans to impose a 10mph speed limit on Windermere. Since then they have enjoyed many racing days in their new home.
For more information about powerboat racing and the Windermere club visit www.wmbrc-racing.net
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